Cheap Flights to Melbourne from CA $152

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Melbourne could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We've compiled some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you take the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Melbourne in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Have your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.